The Pillars of Safety: Unveiling the Impact of Medication Usage on Public and Patient Wellbeing

Abstract

Background: The comprehensive management of various health conditions within the community is heavily reliant on the crucial role of medications. Objective: The primary objective of this research is to investigate medication usage patterns, adherence, and associated factors among a diverse participant pool. The study aims to assess the prevalence of prescription medication use, consumption patterns, adherence rates, and the methods employed by participants for managing their medicines. Furthermore, the study explores participants' experiences with side effects and evaluates their satisfaction with prescribed treatments. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional design was employed for data collection, utilizing a self-administered Medication Usage Survey distributed through Google Forms. Participants were recruited through various channels, and data were collected anonymously. Results: A total of 103 participants contributed to the study, with a diverse demographic composition. The majority identified as female (60.19%), and participants spanned various age groups, reflecting a comprehensive representation. Geographically, the study included participants from multiple locations, with Bengaluru being the predominant location (80.58%). Participants reported diverse health conditions, with 69 individuals (66.99%) on prescription medications. Consumption patterns revealed that 57.3% took medications daily, while adherence varied, with 36.9% reporting missed doses. Side effects were reported by a small percentage (12.66%) of participants, and various methods were employed for managing medicines. Overall, treatment satisfaction varied among participants. Conclusion: This research provides valuable insights into medication usage patterns and associated factors among a diverse participant pool.